Swahili Coast & Safari

11 Days

This family safari holiday to Tanzania is one of our favourite and most popular trips. You and your family will experience the best of the southern circuit, travelling by 4WD and by train as you venture into rural Tanzania. You'll visit the largest game reserve in Africa and see amazing wildlife roaming freely.

11 Days

Swahili Coast & Safari

"Amazing accommodation and locations in Sadaani and Selous. Very special experience at Bab's Camp; dinner under the stars on the salt flats." The Hall family, August 2016

This family activity holiday in Tanzania takes you right off the beaten track to see the real Africa. Drive to Saadani National Park to explore the bush, nestled beside white sand beaches.

Travel on an African train venturing deep into the incredible Selous Game Reserve, which is the largest in Africa and full of wildlife. Learn about their elephant collaring project, enjoy a relaxing canoe ride, meet the locals at a Masai village and search for big game like lions, zebras and elephants as well as smaller wildlife, such as wild dogs.

A short flight takes you to the beautiful spice island of Zanzibar where you can explore the winding streets of Stone Town.

Spot incredible animals in the wild

Meet the Masai in their village

Follow a nature trail in Saadani

Ride on an old African train

Stay on the exotic spice island of Zanzibar

Here's a taster of your itinerary. For more details please see the itinerary tab and trip notes.

Day 1/2 - Overnight flight to Dar es Salaam. Drive to Saadani NP.

Day 3 - Game drive and elephant collaring project.

Day 4 - Canoe ride and game drives.

Day 5 - Travel to Dar es Salaam.

Day 6 - Tazara train to Selous.

Day 7 - Full day game drives.

Day 8 - Morning foot safari. Optional activities.

Day 9 - Fly to Zanzibar. Free time.

Day 10/11 - Overnight flight to return home.

Why not extend your stay?

Zanzibar Extension With exotic white sand beaches, Zanzibar is one of those places that you simply won't want to leave. Unwind at your beach front hotel with unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean. Activities available include sea kayaking, snorkelling, forest treks and local cultural tours. Please contact us for prices.

Day 1. Overnight flight to Dar es Salaam

Depart from London on an overnight flight to Dar es Salaam.

Day 2. Arrive Dar, drive to Saadani NP

On arrival you will be driven to the serene Saadani National Park. Its unique location provides the opportunity for birdlife and game viewing at the same time as enjoying fabulous white-sand beaches. There is a variety of activities on offer, such as learning bush skills like how to track wildlife or make a fire with a park ranger. This afternoon, learn how to set a camera trap.

Day 3. Elephant collaring project

After a morning game drive you can learn about the Saadani elephant collaring project and understand the lives and activities of these gentle giants.

Day 4. Morning canoe ride, afternoon and night game drives.

Take a relaxing morning canoe ride in the mangroves and look for birds and insects on a nature walk. Go on a late afternoon and night time game drive and enjoy dinner on the salt flats under the stars.

Day 5. To Dar es Salaam

Enjoy an exciting game drive around the Elephant Island private concession. Leave Saadani for Dar es Salaam, where you'll have the opportunity to browse the local shops and markets.

Day 6. Train to Selous, transfer to lodge

Catch the TAZARA train for your trip to Selous and enjoy the passing rural landscape. After arriving you'll be driven to your lodge in Selous to stay in stone cabins with amazing views and a natural spring water pool. In the evening, climb up to the tree-house over the watering hole to look for elephant, buffalo and zebra as they come to drink.

Day 7. Wildlife viewing, lake boat trip

Set off on a full day game drive, including a boat trip on Lake Tagalala, looking out for hippo, crocodiles and the colourful birdlife - if you're lucky enough you may see elephants digging for water at one of the dry sand beds.

Day 8. Morning walking safari

Go on an early morning walking safari in the Selous Game Reserve, home to one-thrid of all wild dogs in the world as well as elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo. After lunch there is an optional visit to the local Masai Village to experience rural Tanzanian life, relax by the pool or visit the tree house for fantastic game viewing.

Day 9. Fly to Zanzibar, free time to explore

Take a short flight to Zanzibar and transfer to your hotel in Stone Town. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore your surroundings.

Day 10. Morning free, overnight flight to UK

The day is at your leisure until your late afternoon transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your international flight home.

Day 11. Arrive UK

Arrive back in the UK early in the morning.

Extend your stay - Beaches of Zanzibar | 3 nights

Why not make the most of your time with an extra few days in Tanzania? Zanzibar is one of those bucket list, tropical islands that you simply won't want to leave. Unwind at our hand-picked hotel set on a tranquil beach where you can enjoy unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean. Activities available include sea kayaking, snorkelling, forest treks or simply relax with a massage in the hotel's seafront spa.

Where will we stay?: 3 nights in fixed camps, 3 nights in stone cottage, 2 nights in hotels